About Panchakarma
The classical purification (Shodhana) therapies of Ayurveda — to remove the root of disease, restore balance and rejuvenate body and mind.
What is Panchakarma?
Pancha means five and Karma means procedure. Panchakarma is the Shodhana (purification) treatment of Ayurveda: medicines can pacify aggravated doshas inside the body, but Panchakarma expels them out of the body through the nearest natural route — the mouth, the bowels, the nose or the blood. In simple words, it is Ayurveda’s deep detoxification.
Acharya Charaka counts the five karmas as Vamana, Virechana, Niruha (Asthapana) Basti, Anuvasana Basti and Nasya. Acharya Sushruta counts both Bastis as one and adds Raktamokshana (bloodletting) as the fifth.
वातपित्तकफानां तु क्रमेण परमौषधम्॥
Why Detox? — The Classical Reason
When doshas are only pacified by fasting and digestive medicines, they can flare up again. When they are removed from the body by Shodhana, the disease does not return. This is why Panchakarma is used for chronic and recurring diseases.
जिताः संशोधनैर्ये तु न तेषां पुनरुद्भवः॥
Benefits of Panchakarma
इन्द्रियाणि मनोबुद्धिर्वर्णश्चास्य प्रसीदति। बलं पुष्टिरपत्यं च वृषता चास्य जायते॥
जरां कृच्छ्रेण लभते चिरं जीवत्यनामयः। तस्मात् संशोधनं काले युक्तियुक्तं पिबेन्नरः॥
Which Panchakarma in Which Season? (Ritu Shodhana)
Each dosha naturally accumulates in one season and gets aggravated in the next. The classics advise removing it in that season, before it causes disease.
तपस्यश्च मधुश्चैव वसन्तः शोधनं प्रति॥
| Season (Ritu) | Approx. months | Dosha to remove | Panchakarma advised |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasanta (spring) | Phalguna – Chaitra (about March – April) | Kapha | Vamana, Nasya |
| Pravrit / Varsha (rainy season) | Ashadha – Shravana (about July – August) | Vata | Basti (Niruha & Anuvasana) |
| Sharad (autumn) | Kartika – Margashirsha (about October – November) | Pitta & Rakta | Virechana, Raktamokshana |
How Often Should a Healthy Person Do Panchakarma?
Since the classics name three seasons for Shodhana, a healthy person may undergo seasonal Panchakarma up to three times a year — Vamana in spring, Basti in the rains and Virechana in autumn. In practice, at least once a year is recommended for most healthy adults, choosing the procedure that suits their Prakriti and the season. Patients with chronic disease follow the schedule the doctor plans for them.
About Panchakarma
The classical purification therapies of Ayurveda — to uproot disease, restore balance and rejuvenate body and mind.
What is Panchakarma?
Panchakarma (Pancha = five, Karma = procedure) is the Shodhana or purification treatment of Ayurveda. Medicines can pacify aggravated doshas, but Panchakarma expels them from the body through the nearest natural route.
जिताः संशोधनैर्ये तु न तेषां पुनरुद्भवः॥
Three Stages of Treatment
Deepana-Pachana, then Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (fomentation) to loosen the doshas.
Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya or Raktamokshana under the doctor’s supervision.
Samsarjana Krama (graded diet), Pathya and Rasayana.
Our Therapies
Purvakarma & Main Karmas
Snehapanaस्नेहपान
Abhyangaअभ्यङ्ग
At our clinicVamanaवमन
Virechanaविरेचन
At our clinicBastiबस्ति
At our clinicNasyaनस्य
At our clinicRaktamokshanaरक्तमोक्षण
Upakarma — Supportive Therapies
At our clinicShirodharaशिरोधारा
Shirobastiशिरोबस्ति
Shiro Pichuशिरोपिचु
At our clinicKati Bastiकटिबस्ति
At our clinicJanu Bastiजानुबस्ति
At our clinicGreeva Bastiग्रीवाबस्ति
Prishtha Bastiपृष्ठबस्ति
At our clinicAkshi Tarpanaअक्षि तर्पण
Karna Puranaकर्णपूरण
At our clinicMukha Abhyangaमुखाभ्यङ्ग
Gandusha – Kavalaगण्डूष
Dhoopanaधूपन
Patra Pinda Swedaपत्रपिण्ड स्वेद
Dhanyamla Dharaधान्याम्ल धारा
At our clinicUpanahaउपनाह
Lepaलेप
Special Therapies
Snehapanaस्नेहपान
Medicated ghee or oil taken internally in rising doses for 3–7 days, early morning. It loosens the doshas from the tissues so they can be removed by Vamana or Virechana.
Helpful in
- Preparation before Vamana and Virechana
- Dry skin, joint stiffness, chronic diseases
- Sneha is given in increasing doses until the signs of proper oleation appear — softness of body, oily stools, aversion to fat.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 13
- Ghee is the best of all fats, as it takes on the properties of the herbs it is processed with.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 13/13
- The maximum period of Snehapana is seven days.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 16
Abhyangaअभ्यङ्ग
Full-body massage with warm medicated oil, with strokes in the direction of the body hair. Done before every Panchakarma and also as a daily health practice.
Helpful in
- Body ache, fatigue, stiffness
- Dry skin, poor sleep, stress
- अभ्यङ्गमाचरेन्नित्यं स जराश्रमवातहा। दृष्टिप्रसादपुष्ट्यायुःस्वप्नसुत्वक्त्वदार्ढ्यकृत्॥ — Daily Abhyanga delays ageing, removes fatigue and Vata, improves eyesight, nourishment, life span, sleep and skin.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 2/8
- Oil should be applied especially to the head, ears and feet.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 2/9
Swedanaस्वेदन
Herbal steam or fomentation, usually after Abhyanga. It opens the body channels and moves the loosened doshas towards the gut for removal.
Helpful in
- Stiffness, heaviness, coldness
- Joint pain, back pain
- Swedana relieves stiffness, heaviness and coldness.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 22/11
- Thirteen types of Sweda with fire and ten without fire are described.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 14
- Sushruta classifies Sweda as Tapa, Ushma, Upanaha and Drava.— Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsasthana 32
At our clinic · patient face blurred for privacy
Vamanaवमन
Therapeutic emesis under the doctor’s supervision, after Snehapana and Swedana. It removes excess Kapha from the stomach and chest.
Helpful in
- Chronic cold, allergy, asthma
- Psoriasis, eczema
- Obesity, Kapha-type diabetes
- Vamana is the best treatment for removing Kapha.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 25/40
- Proper Vamana is judged by the number of bouts (Vaigiki), quantity (Maniki) and end point — appearance of Pitta (Antiki).— Charaka Samhita, Siddhisthana 1
Virechanaविरेचन
Controlled purgation with herbal medicine. It cleanses Pitta from the liver, gall bladder and small intestine.
Helpful in
- Acidity, skin diseases, acne
- Liver problems, migraine, hair fall
- PCOD, diabetes (as advised)
- Virechana is the best treatment for removing Pitta.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 25/40
- After Virechana, Samsarjana Krama is followed according to the strength of purification.— Charaka Samhita, Siddhisthana 1/11
At our clinic
Bastiबस्ति
Medicated oil (Anuvasana) or herbal decoction (Niruha) given through the rectum in a course. It is the main treatment for Vata disorders.
Helpful in
- Back pain, sciatica, slip disc
- Arthritis, paralysis, neuropathy
- Constipation, IBS, infertility
- Basti is the best treatment for Vata.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 25/40
- Some Acharyas call Basti half of all treatment, others the whole of treatment.— Charaka Samhita, Siddhisthana 1/39
- Karma (30), Kala (16) and Yoga (8) Basti schedules are described.— Charaka Samhita, Siddhisthana 1/47-48
At our clinic · patient face blurred for privacy
Nasyaनस्य
Medicated oil or juice dropped into the nostrils after face massage and steam. It cleanses the head and neck region.
Helpful in
- Sinusitis, headache, migraine
- Hair fall, early greying
- Cervical spondylosis, insomnia
- ऊर्ध्वजत्रुविकारेषु विशेषान्नस्यमिष्यते। नासा हि शिरसो द्वारं तेन तद्व्याप्य हन्ति तान्॥ — Nasya is especially for diseases above the collar-bone; the nose is the gateway to the head.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 20/1
- Nasya is mainly of three kinds: Virechana, Brimhana and Shamana.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 20/2
Raktamokshanaरक्तमोक्षण
Removal of impure blood. At our clinic this is done mainly with medical leeches (Jalaukavacharana).
Helpful in
- Skin diseases, non-healing wounds
- Varicose veins, gout
- Localised inflammation
- Sushruta counts blood as the fourth dosha and describes Raktamokshana in detail.— Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 13–14
- Leech therapy is the gentlest method — suitable for the elderly, children, women and the delicate.— Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 13/3
At our clinic · patient face blurred for privacy
Shirodharaशिरोधारा
A continuous stream of warm medicated oil poured on the forehead from a swinging pot. Deeply calming for the mind and nerves.
Helpful in
- Stress, anxiety, insomnia
- Headache, migraine, high BP
- Hair fall, memory problems
- अभ्यङ्गसेकपिचवो बस्तिश्चेति चतुर्विधम्। मूर्धतैलं बहुगुणं तद्विद्यादुत्तरोत्तरम्॥ — Oil on the head is of four types: Abhyanga, Seka (Dhara), Pichu and Basti, each stronger than the one before.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22/23
- Seka (Dhara) is advised for scalp eruptions, pricking pain, burning and wounds of the head.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22/25
- Shirodhara as done today follows the Kerala Dharakalpa tradition, based on this classical Murdha Taila.— Dharakalpa
Takradharaतक्रधारा
Dhara with medicated buttermilk (usually with Amalaki) instead of oil. It cools the head.
Helpful in
- Psoriasis of the scalp
- Insomnia and stress with heat
- High BP
- Takra (buttermilk) is described as Kapha-Vata pacifying and Agni-kindling.— Bhavaprakasha, Purvakhanda (Takra varga)
- Takradhara is a Kerala-tradition procedure (Dharakalpa) built on the classical Seka / Murdha Taila principle.— Dharakalpa; Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22
Shirobastiशिरोबस्ति
Warm medicated oil held on the head inside a leather cap fixed around the scalp — the strongest form of Murdha Taila.
Helpful in
- Facial palsy (Ardita), insomnia
- Dryness of scalp, severe headache
- Oil is held until secretions appear from nose and mouth, or for a set time — Vata 10,000, Pitta 8,000, Kapha 6,000 matras.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22/27-31
- Indicated in Ardita, insomnia, dryness of nose and mouth and severe head diseases.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22/26
Shiro Pichuशिरोपिचु
A cotton pad soaked in medicated oil is kept on the crown of the head.
Helpful in
- Hair fall, cracking of scalp
- Insomnia, stress, headache
- Pichu is advised for hair fall, cracking of the scalp, burning and stiffness of the eyes.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22/26
At our clinic
Kati Bastiकटिबस्ति
A ring of black-gram dough is fixed on the lower back and filled with warm medicated oil.
Helpful in
- Low back pain, slip disc (PIVD)
- Sciatica (Gridhrasi)
- Lumbar spondylosis, stiffness
- Kati Basti is a later clinical procedure based on the classical Bahya Snehana / Shirobasti principle.— Based on Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22
- Gridhrasi and Katigraha are Vata diseases treated with Snehana, Swedana and Basti.— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 28
At our clinic
Janu Bastiजानुबस्ति
Warm medicated oil held over the knee joint inside a dough ring.
Helpful in
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Knee stiffness, ligament pain
- A local Snehana procedure based on the Shirobasti principle.— Based on Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22
- Sandhigata Vata: swelling like an air-filled bag and pain on bending; treated with Snehana, Upanaha and Agnikarma.— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 28/37; Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsasthana 4
At our clinic
Greeva Bastiग्रीवाबस्ति
Warm medicated oil held over the neck inside a dough ring.
Helpful in
- Cervical spondylosis, neck pain
- Stiff neck, vertigo from neck problems
- A local Snehana procedure based on the Shirobasti principle.— Based on Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22
- Manyastambha (stiff neck) is a Vata disorder treated with Snehana, Swedana and Nasya.— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 28
Prishtha Bastiपृष्ठबस्ति
Oil pooling over the mid and upper back inside a dough ring.
Helpful in
- Upper and mid back pain, stiffness
- Postural pain
- A later clinical form of Bahya Snehana; Prishthagraha (back stiffness) is a Vata disorder.— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 28
At our clinic · patient face blurred for privacy
Akshi (Netra) Tarpanaअक्षि तर्पण
Medicated ghee is held over the open eyes inside a dough ring. It nourishes and relaxes the eyes.
Helpful in
- Dry eyes, eye strain, screen fatigue
- Weak eyesight, computer vision syndrome
- A wall of black-gram dough is made around the eyes and filled with melted medicated ghee; the patient opens and closes the eyes while it is held.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 24; Sushruta Samhita, Uttaratantra 18
- Signs of proper Tarpana: easy sleep and waking, clear vision, tolerance to light and lightness of the eyes.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 24
Karna Puranaकर्णपूरण
Warm medicated oil is filled in the ears and held for a few minutes.
Helpful in
- Tinnitus, ear dryness
- Vertigo, neck and jaw stiffness
- न कर्णरोगा वातोत्था न मन्याहनुसंग्रहः। नोच्चैःश्रुतिर्न बाधिर्यं स्यान्नित्यं कर्णतर्पणात्॥ — With regular ear oiling there are no Vata ear diseases, no stiffness of neck and jaw, no hardness of hearing and no deafness.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 5/84
At our clinic · patient face blurred for privacy
Mukha Abhyanga & Mukha Lepaमुखाभ्यङ्ग
Face massage with herbal oils followed by a herbal face pack.
Helpful in
- Dull skin, pigmentation, acne
- Facial palsy, wrinkles
- Mukha Lepa is of three kinds — Doshaghna, Vishaghna and Varnya (for complexion) — and should be removed before it dries.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22
Gandusha – Kavalaगण्डूष – कवल
Holding (Gandusha) or swishing (Kavala) medicated oil or decoction in the mouth.
Helpful in
- Mouth ulcers, bleeding gums
- Dry mouth, tooth sensitivity
- Gandusha is of four types — Snigdha, Shamana, Shodhana and Ropana.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22/1
- In Gandusha the mouth is filled fully so the liquid cannot move; in Kavala it is moved around.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 22
- Oil Gandusha strengthens jaws and voice, prevents dry throat and cracked lips and makes teeth firm.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 5/78-80
Dhoopanaधूपन
Fumigation with the smoke of medicinal herbs — for wounds, infections and purification.
Helpful in
- Non-healing wounds, discharge
- Infection control, purification of the area
- Dhoopana is one of the sixty measures (Shashti Upakrama) for treating wounds.— Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsasthana 1
Patra Pinda Sweda (Potli)पत्रपिण्ड स्वेद
Massage with warm boluses of medicinal leaves (Nirgundi, Eranda, Arka etc.) fried in oil.
Helpful in
- Joint pain, swelling, stiffness
- Frozen shoulder, sports injury
- Classical basis: Sankara (Pinda) Sweda — fomentation with heated herbal boluses tied in cloth.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 14
Shashtika Shali Pinda Swedaषष्टिकशालि पिण्ड स्वेद
Massage with warm boluses of Shashtika rice cooked in milk and herbal decoction. It nourishes muscles and nerves.
Helpful in
- Muscle wasting, weakness
- Paralysis, neuropathy
- Classical basis: Sankara Sweda with nourishing (Snigdha) substances.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 14
- Shashtika Shali (60-day rice) is the best among rice varieties.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 25 and 27
Valuka Swedaवालुका स्वेद
Dry fomentation with bundles of warm sand. Dry heat that reduces swelling and Ama.
Helpful in
- Rheumatoid arthritis (Amavata)
- Swelling with heaviness and stiffness
- लङ्घनं स्वेदनं तिक्तं दीपनानि कटूनि च। विरेचनं स्नेहपानं बस्तयश्चाममारुते॥ — In Amavata: fasting, dry fomentation, bitter and pungent appetisers, purgation, oleation and Basti.— Chakradatta, Amavata 1 (also Yogaratnakara)
- Ruksha Sweda with sand bundles is advised in Amavata.— Chakradatta; Bhavaprakasha, Madhyakhanda (Amavata)
- Amavata: pain like a scorpion sting, swelling and stiffness of joints, caused by Ama with Vata.— Madhava Nidana, Amavata Nidana 25
Dhanyamla Dharaधान्याम्ल धारा
Warm fermented grain liquid (Dhanyamla) poured over the body.
Helpful in
- Inflammation, Amavata
- Stiffness, obesity
- Classical basis: Pariseka Sweda — pouring of warm liquids over the body; Dhanyamla Dhara is its Kerala-tradition form.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 14; Kerala tradition
Udvartanaउद्वर्तन
Upward massage with dry herbal powders.
Helpful in
- Obesity, cellulite
- Heaviness, sluggishness, diabetes support
- उद्वर्तनं कफहरं मेदसः प्रविलायनम्। स्थिरीकरणमङ्गानां त्वक्प्रसादकरं परम्॥ — Udvartana removes Kapha, melts fat, firms the limbs and greatly clears the skin.— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 2/15
At our clinic
Upanahaउपनाह
A warm herbal paste is applied to the painful part and bandaged, usually overnight.
Helpful in
- Joint pain, sprains
- Stiffness, swelling
- Upanaha is one of the four types of Sweda.— Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsasthana 32
- A warm poultice of herbs, oil, sour liquids and salt is bandaged over the part and removed after one night.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 14
Lepaलेप
Thick herbal paste applied over the affected part for pain, swelling or skin problems.
Helpful in
- Swelling, inflammation, pain
- Skin pigmentation, acne
- Lepa is applied against the direction of hair and removed as soon as it starts drying; a drying Lepa should not be left on.— Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 18
Pada Abhyangaपादाभ्यङ्ग
Foot massage with warm oil, sometimes with a Kansa bowl.
Helpful in
- Poor sleep, tired feet
- Cracked heels, eye strain
- खरत्वं स्तब्धता रौक्ष्यं श्रमः सुप्तिश्च पादयोः। सद्य एवोपशाम्यन्ति पादाभ्यङ्गनिषेवणात्॥ — Roughness, stiffness, dryness, tiredness and numbness of the feet are relieved at once by foot massage.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 5/90
- It also improves eyesight and prevents sciatica and cracking of the feet.— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 5/91-92
Uttara Bastiउत्तरबस्ति
Medicated oil or decoction given through the urinary or vaginal route under strict asepsis.
Helpful in
- Female infertility (as advised)
- Urinary problems
- Uttara Basti is described for diseases of the bladder, semen and uterus.— Charaka Samhita, Siddhisthana 9; Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsasthana 37
- For women it is preferably given just after menstruation.— Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsasthana 37
At our clinic
Agnikarmaअग्निकर्म
Precise application of therapeutic heat with a special metal Shalaka on the painful points. Quick, done in the OPD, with instant relief in many cases.
Helpful in
- Heel pain, plantar fasciitis
- Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow
- Knee pain, low back pain, warts
- क्षारादग्निर्गरीयान् क्रियासु व्याख्यातः, तद्दग्धानां रोगाणामपुनर्भावात् — Agni is superior to Kshara, because diseases treated by it do not recur.— Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 12/3
- Agnikarma is advised for severe Vata pain in skin, muscles, veins, ligaments, joints and bones.— Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 12
At our clinic
Leech Therapyजलौकावचरण
Medical leeches are applied to the affected area to remove impure blood. Gentle, safe and effective when done by trained doctors.
Helpful in
- Eczema, psoriasis, alopecia patches
- Varicose veins and varicose ulcers
- Gout, non-healing wounds
- Leeches are the gentlest method of blood-letting, fit for kings, the rich, children, the old, the timid, women and the delicate.— Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 13/3
- Sushruta describes 12 kinds of leeches, of which 6 non-poisonous ones are used.— Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 13
Shatkarmaषट्कर्म
The six yogic cleansing practices, taught under guidance.
Helpful in
- Acidity, sinus, digestion
- Concentration, breathing, overall cleansing
- धौतिर्बस्तिस्तथा नेतिस्त्राटकं नौलिकं तथा। कपालभातिश्चैतानि षट्कर्माणि प्रचक्षते॥ — Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli and Kapalabhati are the six cleansing acts.— Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2/22
Who Should Take Panchakarma?
Panchakarma helps in chronic and recurring diseases, as seasonal detox (Ritu Shodhana) to stay healthy, and before Rasayana and fertility treatment. Every procedure is planned only after the doctor examines your Prakriti, strength, digestion and disease. It is not done casually in pregnancy, extreme weakness or acute illness.
The doctor decides which therapy suits you after examination. Do not try Panchakarma procedures without supervision.
Book Your Panchakarma Consultation
Therapies: 9 AM – 1 PM & 4 – 8 PM · OPD: 5 – 8 PM · Sunday by appointment
WhatsApp: 96467 60033Call: 70094 98295Book Your Panchakarma Consultation
Therapies: 9 AM – 1 PM & 4 – 8 PM · OPD: 5 – 8 PM · Sunday by appointment
Next: About Our Clinic →WhatsApp: 96467 60033Call: 70094 98295